Emojigate returns: 3D emojis are now a part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Build

It has been 2 years since they were announced, but now Insiders in the Canary Channel can finally try out 3D emojis.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

What you need to know

Windows 11 fans rejoice—3D emojis seem to finally be on the cusp of a release nearly 2 years after Microsoft officially announced them. 3D emojis were expected to be a feature of Windows 11 when it launched, but instead, emoji users were greeted with an array of flat, simplified emojis. This kicked offEmojigateas disgruntled users took to social media to voice their disdain for the flat 2D emojis.

Emojigate somehow managed to be a flashpoint thatmade some question how much consumers opinions matterand ifWindows 11 could ever have a unified designespecially as3D emojis were promised for Microsoft Teamsand becameopen source. The release never happened, however, and it is most likely that 3D emojis were just victims of COVID-era delays and set backs much like we saw hit the gaming industry. Microsoft’s focus was forced to prioritize other elements of Windows 11 and the emojis were put on the back burner.

All that is in the past, hopefully, as 3D emojis make their way through the necessary Insider process for testing. Right now, only those Windows Insiders users can access the 3D emojis, and even those users are narrowed down to those who haveWindows Insider Preview Build (25905) and are a part of the Canary Channelare included. As testing continues, the 3D emojis will gradually be rolled out to more users.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Cole is the resident Call of Duty know-it-all and indie game enthusiast for Windows Central. She’s a lifelong artist with two decades of experience in digital painting, and she will happily talk your ear off about budget pen displays.